First is Brentford's Ivan Toney, sold by the Magpies in 2018, second is Teemu Pukki of Norwich City and third is Geordie-born Adam Armstrong, now at Blackburn Rovers.
The progression of Toney and Armstrong certainly raises the question of ‘what if’ on Tyneside. Toney, last month, was even linked with a surprise return.
Now, Armstrong is also touted with moving back to St James’s Park, three years after he was offloaded to Ewood Park.
As per TEAMTalk, the Magpies are planning to push ahead with a deal to bring the former England under-21s to Tyneside – regardless of whether they are relegated or not.
Steve Bruce’s side have the advantage over clubs reportedly chasing his signature – West Ham and Southampton – after inserting a 40% sell-on when he sold to Rovers for £1.75million.
Apparently, that sell-on clause can be “written off as part of the deal” for Armstrong, who they said is valued at around £16million.
The 24-year-old has scored 19 times in 33 Championship appearances this season, averaging a goal every 150 minutes.
Here are the latest headlines surrounding Newcastle and their Premier League rivals:
. A general view of the stadium ahead of the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on January 3, 2021. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
St James's Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: PAUL ELLIS
5. Liverpool eye Berge
Blades midfielder Sander Berge is being eyed by Liverpool as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who looks set to join Barcelona at the end of the season. Aston Villa are also interested in the Norwegian. (Eurosport via The Sun) Photo: Catherine Ivill
6. Knill to leave Blades
Chris Wilder’s former assistant manager Alan Knill is set to follow him out the door at Bramall Lane after rejecting the offer of a new role - believed to be director of football. (Daily Mirror) Photo: George Wood
7. Costa could leave Juve on a free
Reported Leeds target Douglas Costa - currently on loan at Bayern Munich - could be allowed to leave Juventus on a free transfer in the summer in order to get his rumoured £160,000-a-week wages off their books. (Calciomercato) Photo: Stuart Franklin
8. Magpies plot Armstrong return
Newcastle United are planning to push ahead with a deal to bring former academy product Adam Armstrong back to Tyneside - regardless of whether they are relegated or not. The 24-year-old is valued at around £16milliom. (TEAMTalk) Photo: Jan Kruger